Saturday, May 22, 2010

WHAT DOES "NEUROPATHY" FEEL LIKE?


 I DON'T KNOW IF MY RUNNING SHOES FIT, BECAUSE I CAN'T FEEL MY TOES.
 

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a set of symptoms or problems caused by damage to peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are nerves that control the sensations and movements of our arms and legs.  Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy is caused by the chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment.

 The most common symptoms are
 Pain
 Burning
 Tingling ("pins and needles" feeling)
 Shrinking muscles
 Muscle weakness
 Trouble using your fingers to pick up or hold things; dropping things
 Balance problems
 Trouble with tripping or stumbling while walking
 Loss of feeling (can be numbness or just less ability to sense pressure, touch, heat, or cold)
 More response to pressure or temperature (mostly cold), so that things hurt more than usual

Sometimes the symptoms are short-term. They go away over time after treatment is done. In other cases, it can take up to 2 years for the symptoms to totally go away.

American Cancer Society

2 comments:

Boomchick said...

I have a photo of lifesize long horn steer who sits in a parking lot at 15th and Harvard here in Tulsa. He's on a plywood base which is now on wheels. (he's illegal - according to the "sign police") I'm wondering if this concept might be of some use to you? Will send photo - just in case it sounds like a winner. I could see you on a plywood base, skating down the street.

AMY said...

sure!